I have been helping injured people in Florida for more than 30 years and all too often the cause of wrecks are due to the other driver consuming alcohol. Statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that 10,839 people were killed in 2009 in alcohol-related crashes. This number accounts for 32% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. 181 children up to the age of 14 were killed as a result of a drunk driver. More than 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of either drugs or alcohol in 2009. These numbers are staggering.
New Year's Eve is only days away. Drinking and having a good time is on many agendas for the night. If you're among those out having a good time, designate a driver who will not be drinking. Keep your friends safe and don't let them drive if they've had too much to drink. You've heard the commercials. Buzz driving IS drunk driving. Getting stopped and ticketed is very costly. But it's even more costly if your impairment should hurt or far worse, kill someone when you lose control of your vehicle.
There are several taxi services providing FREE rides for New Years should someone consume too much alcohol and realize they cannot safely operate a vehicle. MillerCoors is the exclusive sponsor of 1-800-TAXICAB that dispatches a taxi wherever and whenever needed. Even if you have to pay for it, it's worth avoiding the risk of being involved in an alcohol-related car accident. Take advantage of this valuable service and don't drink and drive.
Best wishes from The Pittman Firm, P.A. to all for a safe and happy New Year and a prosperous 2012.
